RACER STORIES
The Lumberjack 100 is more than just a ultra endurance mountain bike race. This race changes lives and has touched so many racers and families over the 19 years of the event. We wanted to share some of the inspiring stories of personal goals, perseverance, celebration of life and the dedication from so many racers who’ve “challenged themselves on another level”.
If you have a story to share, please email in a word document with a photo and include your mailing address to: lumberjackmtb@gmail.com
We will mail you a Lumberjack 100 cycling cap.
( I am in the orange on the left, to the right, my nephew Tim, his fiancé Samantha, and my brother Randy (who saved my ass).
“This race has always been on my mind to give it a go ‘someday’.. On July 27, 2013 I thought that someday would never come, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and told I had a 30% chance to live for another 5 years. 6 months later I received a live saving stem cell transplant from my brother. ”
Wanted to let you know how thankful I am for the ability to participate in the Lumberjack race and how good a job I thought everyone did for the event. This race has always been on my mind to give it a go “someday”..
On July 27, 2013 I thought that someday would never come, I was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia and told I had a 30% chance to live for another 5 years. 6 months later I received a live saving stem cell transplant from my brother. While I was layed up in hospital recovering from the treatments leading up to the transplant I told myself I would somehow do this as fast as I could recover and prepare, and before my 5 years came up.
My 1st race back was the “mudman” of 2014, I made it with no brakes at about the 1/2 way point, bawling my eyes out that I had done it and I was going be part of 30% that make it. Almost 4 years later I completed your race and was met with roar of cheers from the great crowd there even though I was one of the guys at the way back, 11:53 mark. I thought I was gonna start crying like a baby again when the nice guy gave me the finishers patch, thank you whoever you were, you made my day. I don’t want to sound like a bragger or anything like that but wanted you guys to know that events like this do affect peoples lives more than you could imagine. Thank you to all of you that put this on, it meant a hell of a lot to me.
David Johnston
“it hit me right in the feels”
This year my son did the race in 2017. As far as we know at 15 years-old, he is the youngest person to have completed the Lumberjack 100. Rick, Scott, Cathy and Marnie welcomed him at registration in such a way as to make him feel like he was endeavoring to do something great. I can’t describe the kindness and support that they gave him. The best way I can say it is to quote my son, “it hit me right in the feels”.
Every event we do with Kisscross Events shares this quality. People are acknowledged and you feel that your participation is as important to them as it is to you. Their races are my favorite races to go to every year.
The course is difficult and challenging, and exactly what it should be. The aid station is useful if you want to get in and out, and fun and festive if you want to stop for a break and get some encouragement. The food and beer provided are incredible and the after-race festivities are a blast.
- Anonymous